Joe Scott: Gov. Tom Wolf's budget a starting point for discussion

Opinion: As a business owner, here is how I see Gov. Wolf's budget

Put me on the list of business people who do not agree with every element of Gov. Wolf's budget proposal. Even without conducting a survey, I am willing to bet that list is longer than the one that consists of people who are 100 percent on board with it. I heard him portray his proposal as "radical." That seems a fair description. Maybe we need radical.

I respect what the governor is doing in taking a CEO's attitude in addressing the financial challenges of our state. This approach is what I hoped for (and expected) when I voted for him in November. There are well-documented short- and long-term challenges facing Pennsylvania which need to be tackled now.

We have all heard it: "There is no way" this budget gets passed as proposed. There are legislators who would never consider any increase in revenues — ever. Does that mean that our state's monumental issues get kicked down the road again? That cannot be an acceptable option.

As a business owner, here is how I see Gov. Wolf's plan:

•His prime objectives are to stimulate the manufacturing sector, bolster education at all levels, balance a budget and close a staggering pension shortfall.

•He has put forward a multifaceted revenue proposal that saves some taxpayers and businesses money and costs others more, with an aim toward invigorating specific segments of our society. Gov. Wolf sees his revenue proposals as fair (understanding that everyone has his own definition of that word).

•As a CEO, he seems ready to consider alternatives that ensure that the big-picture objectives are achieved. I am sure that he appreciates that others will disagree with him but expects them to offer alternatives that can be used to stimulate discussion and create suitable compromises.

Gov. Wolf's budget is not the one that I would have written. That being said, I think there are a number of ideas in his proposal that are worthy of conversation. Let's take advantage of this smart and talented CEO who occupies the governor's seat and work together to build long-range financial policy that becomes the foundation of Pennsylvania's fiscal stability for decades to come.